Starting Tuesday, the maximum regulated price of 95 gasoline at the pump will increase to 25.69 lei a liter, up 0.43 leu on the previous update, and a liter of diesel fuel will sell for a maximum of 23.11 lei (+0.72 leu).

The regulatory agency ANRE, which updates the maximum retail prices periodically, says the upward trend continues to be driven by the “tragic events” in Ukraine.

The “current regional context” affected traditional supply chains connected to Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, prompting suppliers to look elsewhere, says ANRE. Some networks are expected to experience “short-term” shortages at the pump as they establish new connections in the west. “But it is worth noting that this is not a systemic phenomenon and will not affect filling station networks that traditionally obtain their fuels from Romania”, the agency said in a press release.

In addition to the logistic hurdles, retail prices are lately also influenced by record high oil prices. Brent crude reached $139/bbl today, the highest level since 2008, while Platts quotes exceeded $1,100 and $1,150 per tonne for diesel fuel and gasoline, respectively, hitting 10-year highs.

In this context, Prime Minister Natalia Gavrilița said the Government is looking to mitigate the impact of the rising global prices with targeted measures for certain groups, such as farmers and carriers.